From a very calm weather pattern to a super active weekend. We are watching many stories unfold. The first is Tropical Storm Karen that will make landfall across the Gulf Coast this weekend. Karen might reach minimal hurricane status before coming onshore between Louisiana and the panhandle of Florida Saturday night/Sunday:

We are also looking at a potential severe weather outbreak today across the Midwest including the chance for large, destructive tornadoes. Iowa will need to pay particularly close attention to their local forecasts are they are in the bullseye for the worst of it:

The same weather system that will bring the threat for hail, winds, heavy rain and several tornadoes is also bringing a blizzard to the Northern Plains. Feet of snow are piling up, and blizzard warnings are up for Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota.

And last but not least, we have one of the biggest threats for fire danger across southern California we’ve seen in years. Take a look at this statement from the Los Angeles NWS office:

“Most significant fire weather threat across Southern California in past 5 years as strong Santa Ana wind event unfolds. In addition to the strength of winds being projected…the concerns with this event include the widespread nature and long duration of Santa Ana winds…very long period of single digit humidities…and extremely dry fuels approaching record levels. Red flag warnings are in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties overnight into Sunday. The onset of the offshore winds are expected to begin across the mountains by late evening…then descend into the lower elevations overnight. The peak of this Santa Ana wind event will likely be late tonight through Saturday morning…with the strongest winds focused across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.”

2 Comments

wasam

Pretty decent day on the WA coast. Usually at the end of Oct. we get a week of really good weather then the rain sets in till May. Hope all is well with you and have a good weekend. Watch out for Karen down South and the snow in S. Dakota and Wyoming!

October 5, 2013 at 12:10 am

George Spink

I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Margie's mother. I will pray for both of them....

October 4, 2013 at 8:04 pm

aboutthis blog

Janice Dean joined FOX News Channel in January 2004 and currently serves as Senior meteorologist. She is a member of the American Meteorological Society and was awarded the AMS Seal of Approval in 2009. Dean is the author of the forthcoming children's book, "Freddy the Frogcaster" (Regnery Kids) which will be published in August. You can also follow Janice on Twitter.